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AQI NACOR OUTCOME DATA ELEMENT
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS
MARCH 2016 v1.0 (25 March 2016)
This manual is intended to clarify data element conceptual definitions and intent.
Synonyms, examples, clinical scenarios, exclusions and/or notes are included where
appropriate and available. Clarifications to the notes will be made on an as-needed
basis. Updates to the official conceptual definitions will be made on an annual basis.
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AQI NACOR OUTCOME DATA ELEMENT CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS - MARCH 2016 v1.0 (25 March 2016)
ACIDEMIA – The accumulation of excess hydrogen ions or depletion of alkaline reserve (bicarbonate content) in the blood
and body tissues resulting in an arterial blood pH < 7.35
Clarifying statement: Acidemia may result from a metabolic and/or respiratory acidosis
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (AKI) – New kidney damage or a sudden decrease in kidney function. AKI is diagnosed by Kidney
Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) as any one of the following:
1. Increase in serum creatinine (Cr) > 0.3 mg/dl within 48 hours
2. Increase in Cr to > 1.5 times baseline
3. Urine volume < 0.5 ml/kg/h for 6 hours
Synonym: Acute renal failure
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)
ADVERSE DRUG REACTION (ADR) – Any unexpected, unintended, undesired, or excessive response to a drug that requires
discontinuing the drug (therapeutic or diagnostic), changing the drug therapy, or modifying the dose (except for minor
dosage adjustments). The adverse reaction must be severe enough that it requires prolonged observation or stay in a
health care facility, necessitates supportive treatment, negatively affects prognosis, or results in temporary or permanent
harm, disability, or death.
Clarifying statement: All noxious and unintended responses to a medicinal product related to any dose should be
considered adverse drug reactions per the US FDA Guideline for Industry, Clinical Safety Data Management: Definitions and
Standards for Expedited Reporting
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP guidelines on adverse drug reaction monitoring and
reporting. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1995;52:417-419; US Federal Drug Administration Guidelines for Industry, Clinical Safety
Data Management
AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION – An acute respiratory dysfunction that produces reduced airflow and an arterial oxygen saturation
less than 90% lasting for more than 30 seconds; the obstruction can be anatomically localized (e.g., tumor, stricture, foreign
body, laryngospasm) or generalized (e.g., bronchospasm, asthma)
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, 7th ed. (modified)
AIRWAY TRAUMA – An injury to any of the structures or tissues of the mouth (teeth, lips, gums, tongue, and jawbones),
nasopharynx, oropharynx, or larynx resulting from the use of any airway device such as laryngoscope, oral or nasal airway,
endotracheal tube, or stylet
Clarifying statement: The most common injury is to the teeth, but airway trauma includes other injuries such as mucosal
tears or tongue lacerations.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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AMNIOTIC FLUID EMBOLISM – An obstetric emergency resulting from amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris that
enters the maternal circulation via placental vessels and triggers an immune reaction.
Synonym: AFE
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
ANAPHYLAXIS – A severe, life-threatening allergic response, which is rapid in onset and characterized by a sudden drop in
blood pressure and/or respiratory insufficiency
Note: Elevated serum tryptase level may be used to confirm the diagnosis
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
ARRHYTHMIA – New onset of an abnormality of the cardiac rhythm; a cardiac rhythm other than normal sinus rhythm,
including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block
Synonym: irregular heartbeat
Clarifying statement: A disorder in which there is abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
ASPIRATION – The entry of material (e.g., food, liquid, gastric contents) into the respiratory tract and accompanied by
consistent radiologic findings
Synonym: Perioperative aspiration
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
AWARENESS – A scenario in which a patient becomes conscious during a procedure performed under general anesthesia
and subsequently has recall of these events
Synonym: Intraoperative awareness, awareness under anesthesia
Clarifying statement: Awareness should be limited to explicit memory and should not include the time before general
anesthesia is fully induced or the time of emergence from general anesthesia or during an intraoperative "wake-up test",
when arousal and return of consciousness are intended.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
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BRADYCARDIA – Slowness of the heartbeat, with a rate less than 60 beats/minutes
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
BURN INJURY – Unintentional damage to tissue or skin redness with pain caused by excessive heat; a lesion caused by fire,
heat or any other cauterizing agent, including friction, caustic agents, electricity, radiation, or electromagnetic energy
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
CANNOT VENTILATE – Inability to force oxygen into the trachea and alveoli for the purpose of oxygenating the blood in the
pulmonary capillaries
Clarifying statement: Inability to generate an adequate tidal volume or produce active movement of oxygen into the
trachea and alveoli despite multiple attempts at changing head and neck positions, use of jaw thrust or airway devices such
as oral or nasal airways or placement of a laryngeal mask airway or other supraglottic airway device.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
CARDIAC ARREST – The unintended cessation of the mechanical activity of the heart as confirmed by the absence of signs
of effective circulation. This includes the use of cardiac compression and/or defibrillation.
Synonym: perioperative cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest, circulatory arrest
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); Anesthesia Quality Institute 2016 Qualified Clinical Data Registry (AQI QCDR).
Feb 8, 2016 (modified).
CASE CANCELLED – The scheduled procedure or operation is aborted either before or after the patient entered the
procedure or operating room. The cancellation of the procedure or operation results in an unexpected availability in the
procedure room or operating room schedule.
Synonym: surgery cancellation; aborted surgery; cancelled operative procedure
Note: The decision to cancel the scheduled procedure or operation may be made by the patient, the institution or insurance
company, the surgeon (proceduralist) or the anesthesiologist.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American College of Surgeons NSQIP Operations Manual 1July2015
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CASE DELAY – The scheduled procedure or operation is postponed either before or after the patient entered the procedure
or operating room. The postponement of the procedure or operation results in an unexpected availability in the procedure
room or operating room schedule.
Note: The decision to postpone the scheduled procedure or operation may be made by the patient, the institution or
insurance company, the surgeon (proceduralist) or the anesthesiologist but with the intent that the procedure will take
place at a future time.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
CENTRAL LINE-ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION (CLABSI) – A primary bloodstream infection that develops in a
patient with a central line in place within the 48-hour period prior to the infection onset.
Criteria for diagnosis include any of the following:
 Criteria 1: Patient has a recognized pathogen cultured from one or more blood cultures AND organism cultured
from blood is NOT related to an infection at another site.
 Criteria 2: Patient has at least one of the following signs or symptoms: fever (>38 degrees C), chills or hypotension
AND signs and symptoms and positive laboratory results (two or more positive blood cultures drawn on separate
occasions) are NOT related to an infection at another site
 Criteria 3: Patient < 1 year of age has at least one of the following signs or symptoms: fever (> 38 degrees C core),
hypothermia (<36 degrees core), apnea, or bradycardia AND signs and symptoms and positive laboratory results
(two or more positive blood cultures drawn on separate occasions) are NOT related to an infection at another site
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Surveillance
2013 (modified); The Joint Commission. Preventing Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: A Global Challenge, a
Global Perspective. Oak Brook, IL: Joint Commission Resources, May 2012 (modified).
CENTRAL LINE PLACEMENT INJURY – A pneumothorax, hemothorax, or thoracic duct or arterial injury that results from an
attempted or completed insertion of a central venous catheter.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Anesthesia Quality Institute 2016 Qualified Clinical Data Registry (AQI QCDR). Feb 8, 2016 (modified).
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT – The sudden death of neurons in a localized area of brain due to inadequate blood flow as
a result of emboli, thrombus, or hemorrhage that produces motor, sensory, or cognitive dysfunction (e.g., hemiplegia,
hemiparesis, aphasia, sensory deficit, impaired memory) that persists for more than 24 hours.
Synonyms: CVA, stroke
Note: Imaging may be used for confirmation and to rule out other central nervous system pathology.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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COAGULOPATHY – The impairment, inability or incapacity of the blood to form clots associated with clinical bleeding.
Clarifying statement: Coagulopathy is a disorder involving the elements of blood coagulation, including platelets,
coagulation factors and inhibitors, and the fibrinolytic system and may be confirmed by abnormal tests of clotting (PT, INR,
PTT) or decreased platelet count.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.; Hunt, Beverley J. Bleeding and Coagulopathies in Critical Care NEJM
2014;370(9): 847–859.
COMA – A state of profound unconsciousness, not present prior to the initiation of anesthetic care, in which the individual
cannot be awakened, fails to respond normally to external stimuli, and does not initiate voluntary actions. Exclude coma
due to prolonged anesthetic effect or hypothermia (temp <34 degrees C).
Clarifying statement: Scenarios include profound unconsciousness following anoxic or ischemic events such as cardiac
arrest; metabolic encephalopathy; thromboembolic event; or cerebral hemorrhage.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified).
CORNEAL INJURY – A corneal injury is either a corneal abrasion (a scratch or scrape on the cornea, the clear front window
of the eye that transmits and focuses light into the eye) or exposure keratitis (inflammation of the cornea caused by
incomplete closure of the eyelids with drying of the corneal tear film).
Synonyms: Exposure keratitis, exposure keratopathy
Clarifying statement and criteria: Includes both exposure keratitis and corneal abrasion (diagnosed in any manner including
with fluorescein examination of the cornea under ultraviolet light). Also includes any new symptom of eye pain treated
with topical antibiotic (e.g., erythromycin) while in the post-anesthesia care unit/recovery area. Other causes of eye pain
(e.g., acute angle-closure glaucoma) can be excluded by instilling one drop of local anesthetic (e.g., proparacaine) into the
eye. If the pain is immediately and completely relieved, corneal injury is confirmed and acute angle-closure glaucoma is
excluded.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Anesthesia Quality Institute 2016 Qualified Clinical Data Registry (AQI QCDR). Feb 8, 2016 (modified);
MedicineNet.Com
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS – One or more blood clots (thrombus) within a large vein, usually in the thigh or calf.
Synonym: DVT
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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DEATH – The irreversible cessation of all vital functions as indicated by permanent stoppage of the heart, respiration, and
brain activity; the end of life.
Synonym: mortality
Clarifying statement: excludes ASA 6 patients presenting for organ harvest
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); Anesthesia Quality Institute 2016 Qualified Clinical Data Registry (AQI QCDR).
Feb 8, 2016 (modified).
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS – One or more blood clots (thrombus) within a large vein, usually in the thigh or calf.
Synonym: DVT
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
DELAYED EMERGENCE – An abnormally long period of time, either for clinical reasons or through physiologic dysfunction,
from the discontinuation of administration of anesthetic drugs until the recovery of consciousness or normal function,
following a period of unconsciousness associated with general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Synonyms: delayed emergence from anesthesia; prolonged emergence; delayed awakening
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
DELIRIUM – An altered state of consciousness marked by confusion, disorientation or temporary memory dysfunction,
difficulty in sustained attention to stimuli, disordered thinking and perception. There must be evidence from the history,
physical examination, or laboratory findings that the disturbance is caused by the direct physiological consequences of a
general medical condition or that the condition developed during substance intoxication, or during or shortly after, a
withdrawal syndrome.
Synonyms: emergence delirium, intensive care unit delirium, delirium tremens, alcohol withdrawal, organic brain syndrome,
acute confusional state, acute encephalopathy, acute organic reaction, acute psycho-organic syndrome
Note: Delirium may be hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed. It is a change in mentation that may be present immediately
after awakening from general anesthesia or sedation or may begin at a later time in the postoperative period. There are
several tests that have been developed and validated to diagnose and grade delirium including Confusion Assessment
Method (CAM), Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98, and the Delirium Symptom Interview.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV)
(modified)
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DIFFICULT INTUBATION – Problematic or challenging insertion of an endotracheal tube into the patient's trachea, requiring
at least 3 attempts by one or more skilled individuals.
Clarifying statement: "Difficult intubation" indicates that the endotracheal tube was successfully placed but with greater
difficulty, requiring at least 3 attempts.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
DIFFICULT MASK VENTILATION – The inability of an unassisted conventionally trained anesthesiologist to maintain the
measured oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry to > 92% or to prevent or reverse signs of inadequate
ventilation during positive-pressure mask ventilation.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Langeron et al. Anesthesiology 2000;92:1229 (modified)
ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITY – A physiologic disorder in which there are fewer or more than normal levels (lower or higher
concentration) of serum electrolytes (minerals found in the blood, body fluids, and urine necessary for the body to function
properly)
Synonyms: electrolyte disorder; electrolyte imbalance
Clinical scenarios: hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia,
hypermagnesemia, hypomagnesemia
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
EPIDURAL HEMATOMA FOLLOWING SPINAL OR EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA – Symptomatic bleeding within the spinal neuraxis
occurring after a completed or attempted epidural or spinal anesthetic. The hematoma may be confirmed by imaging
(MRI).
Synonyms: Spinal hematoma, epidural hematoma, spinal subdural hematoma
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
EQUIPMENT/DEVICE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION – The medical device did not provide the expected service or was not
functioning as per its specifications.
Note: This is the accepted national and international definition in the field of patient safety
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: The Australian Patient Safety Foundation’s Advanced Incident Management System (AIMS) – Australia; Eindhoven
University of Technology Eindhoven/PRISMA-Medical Classification Model – The Netherlands; AHRQ Common Formats V1.2
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FAILED INTUBATION – Inability to insert or pass an endotracheal tube into the trachea
Synonym: cannot intubate
Clarifying statement: Inability to successfully place an endotracheal tube after making multiple attempts, often using
several techniques, laryngoscopes, and other airway equipment.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
FALL – A sudden, unintentional downward displacement of (a patient's) body to the floor or other object, excluding those
resulting from violence or other purposeful act
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: VA National Center for Patient Safety, Nov2013
FAT EMBOLISM – Fat tissue passes into the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel or organ such as the lung, brain, or
kidney.
Clarifying statement: Fat embolism may occur with trauma and fracture of or surgery on a large bone like the femur with
the signs and symptoms depending on the specific location of the emboli.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HEMODYNAMIC INSTABILITY – A change in global or regional perfusion that may not adequately support normal organ
function as indicated by abnormalities in one or more of the following parameters: heart rate, blood pressure, central
venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, or cardiac output
Source: Baily, J. Hemodynamic instability. GASNet Inc. © 2003 (modified)
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HIGH SPINAL OR EPIDURAL – Neuraxial anesthesia in which the level of sensory denervation extends at least to the second
thoracic dematome and that produces hypotension, bradycardia, and/or respiratory insufficiency that requires intubation
or ventilatory assistance
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
HYPERCAPNIA – Abnormally increased arterial carbon dioxide tension greater than 45 mmHg measured in arterial blood at
standard temperature
Synonym: Hypercarbia
Clarifying statement: Hypercapnia is associated with respiratory acidosis.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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HYPERGLYCEMIA – An abnormally high concentration of glucose (greater than 200 mg/dl or 11.1 mmol/l) in the circulating
blood
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HYPERTENSIVE EPISODE – Unintentional elevation of the systemic arterial blood pressure to a level likely to induce adverse
consequences (arbitrarily defined in adults as a systolic or diastolic blood pressure more than 20% above baseline or a
systolic pressure greater than 190 mmHg or diastolic pressure greater than 110 mmHg and lasting for more than 10
minutes).
Synonym: High blood pressure (not due to a pre-existing condition); blood pressure spike
Clarifying statement: This does not include hypertension resulting from intentional therapeutic measures that are
implemented to increase perfusion to vital organs.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
HYPERTHERMIA – An abnormally increased core body temperature (greater than 38.3 degrees Celsius or 100.9 degrees
Fahrenheit); Therapeutically or iatrogenically induced fever.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HYPOGLYCEMIA – An abnormally low concentration (less than 70 mg/dl or 4 mmol/L) of glucose in the circulating blood
Synonym: Glucopenia
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HYPOTENSIVE EPISODE – An unintentional low systemic arterial blood pressure at a level that may result in inadequate
perfusion of critical organs such as the brain, kidney, or heart (arbitrarily defined in adults as a systolic blood pressure less
than 20% below the patient's baseline or a systolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure less than
50 mmHg lasting for more than 10 minutes).
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
HYPOXIA – An abnormal, low partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood (less than 60 mmHg or 5.3 kPa measured at
standard temperature or an arterial oxygen saturation of less than 90% lasting for longer than 3 minutes).
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
INADEQUATE PAIN CONTROL – Ineffective regulation and/or management of an unpleasant sensation associated with
actual or potential tissue damage and mediated by specific nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may
be modified by various factors
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
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INADEQUATE REVERSAL OF NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCK – Patient weakness, resulting in inadequate ventilation, swallowing,
airway maintenance or insufficient strength, after administration of a medication to counter or neutralize the effect of a
previously administered neuromuscular blocking agent (a medication that produces paralysis or weakness by preventing
the activation of skeletal muscles by the nervous system at the myoneural junction)
Synonym: Prolonged block
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
INADVERTENT DURAL PUNCTURE – Unintentionallhy piercing or perforating the duramater (the tough, fibrous membrane
forming the outer covering of the central nervous system).
Synonyms: Unintended dural puncture; wet tap
Clarifying statement: unintended dural puncture may occur during attempted placement of a needle or a catheter in the
epidural space
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
INADVERTENT ENDOBRONCHIAL INTUBATION – Insertion of an endotracheal tube to a depth so that its placement permits
ventilation of only one lung or a portion of one lung
Synonyms: Bronchial intubation, mainstem intubation
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
INADVERTENT ESOPHAGEAL INTUBATION – Unintentionally inserting an endotracheal tube into the esophagus, the
anatomic connection between the pharynx and the stomach.
Note: This applies to an event when the endotracheal tube is originally intended to be placed in the trachea. Esophageal
intubation may be confirmed by absence of carbon dioxide in gas coming from the patient through the tube.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
INADVERTENT HYPOTHERMIA – A core body temperature lower than 95.9 degrees Fahrenheit (35.5 degrees Celsius)
occurring within the 30 minutes immediately before or the 15 minutes immediately after anesthesia end time.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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INADVERTENT TRACHEAL EXTUBATION – Unanticipated, unplanned, or unintentional removal of the endotracheal tube
after ventilatory support or a surgical procedure
Synonym: Inadvertent tracheal extubation
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
INFECTION FOLLOWING EPIDURAL OR SPINAL ANESTHESIA
Includes (a) Superficial soft tissue infection along the course of an epidural/spinal catheter; (b) Epidural Abscess; (c)
Meningitis associated with Central Neuraxial Block; and (d) Epidural Infection with Sepsis
Infectious complications associated with neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia:
Superficial soft tissue infection along the course of an epidural/spinal catheter or needle placement track
Swelling, local erythema and tenderness in combination with any of the following: (a) Fever (>38.0 degrees C); (b)
Drainage; (c) Positive culture from the area; and/or (d) Leukocytosis >12/nl or CRP>20 mg/L
Epidural abscess
Radiological evidence of a mass in the epidural space consistent with an epidural abscess within 30 days following
epidural/spinal needle/catheter placement/catheter removal or attempted epidural/spinal placement in combination
with any of the following: (a) Fever (>38.0 degrees C); (b) Drainage; (c) Positive culture from surgical exploration or
puncture; (d) Leukocytosis >12/nl or CRP>20 mg/L; (e) Local erythema; (f) Local tenderness; (g) Focal back pain; and/or
(h) Neurologic deficit
Meningitis associated with central neuraxial block
Spinal or epidural block (catheter insertion/removal) in the last 72 hours in combination with: (a) New onset of central
neurologic symptoms; (b) Headache; (c) Stiff neck; (d) Fever >38.0 degrees C; (e) Positive CSF culture; and/or (f)
Meningitis specific antibiotic therapy started
Epidural infection with sepsis
Diagnostic criteria of superficial soft tissue infection or epidural abscess or Meningitis in combination with positive
blood culture with the same organism isolated from puncture site or abscess or clinical diagnosis of sepsis
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009
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INFECTION FOLLOWING PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK
Includes: (a) Peripheral Nerve Block Associated with Superficial Soft Tissue Infection; (b) Peripheral Nerve Block Associated
with Abscess or Deep Tissue Infection; and (c) Peripheral Nerve Block Associated with Sepsis
Peripheral nerve block associated superficial soft tissue infection
Swelling, local erythema, and tenderness along the catheter or needle placement track in combination with any of the
following:
a. Fever (> 38.0 degrees C);
b. Drainage;
c. Positive culture from the area;
d. Leukocytosis >12/nl or CRP>20mg/L
Peripheral nerve block associated abscess or deep tissue infection
Evidence of an abscess or fluid collection consistent with an infectious process by imaging or surgical exploration within
30 days following peripheral nerve block needle placement/catheter removal or attempted placement, especially if in
combination with any of the following:
a. Fever (>38.0 degrees C);
b. Neurologic deficit;
c. Drainage;
d. Positive culture from surgical exploration or puncture;
e. Leukocytosis >12/nl or CRP>20 mg/L
Peripheral nerve block associated infection with sepsis
Diagnostic criteria of superficial soft tissue infection or abscess or deep tissue infection in combination with positive
blood culture with the same organism isolated from puncture site or abscess or clinical diagnosis of sepsis.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009
ITCHING – An irritating sensation in the skin or mucous membranes that arouses the desire to scratch or rub the affected
bodily areas
Synonym: Pruritus
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
IV INFILTRATION – Leakage of exogenously administered intravenous fluid from a catheter into the tissue surrounding the
vein
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
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KIDNEY FAILURE – Kidney failure is defined as either: (1) a level of GFR to <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, which is accompanied in
most cases by signs and symptoms of uremia, or (2) a need for initiation of kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or
transplantation) for treatment for complications of decreased GFR, which would otherwise increase the risk of mortality
and morbidity
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: KDIGO Guidelines
LOCAL ANESTHETIC SYSTEMIC TOXICITY – Major adverse effects observed following injection of a local anesthetic resulting
in elevated plasma drug concentration that produces seizures, somnolence, loss of consciousness, respiratory
depression/apnea, bradycardia/asystole, or ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA – A potentially fatal, inherited disorder usually associated with the administration of volatile
anesthetics and/or succinylcholine. The disorder is due to an acceleration of metabolism in skeletal muscles and may
produce muscle rigidity, massater spasm, tachycardia, elevated core temperature, increased carbon dioxide and acid
production, and muscle breakdown resulting in myoglobinuria.
Synonym: MH
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); The Malignant Hyperthermia Associated of the United States (modified)
MEDICATION ERROR – Any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm
while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer. Such events may be related to
professional practice, health care products, procedures, and systems, including prescribing; order communication; product
labeling, packaging, and nomenclature; compounding; dispensing; distribution; administration; education; monitoring; and
use.
Synonyms: Drug error, wrong drug, syringe swaps, look alike vial
Clarifying statements: A medication error is the administration of incorrect medication, incorrect route, or incorrect dosing.
Types of medication errors include omission, unauthorized drug, extra dose, wrong dose, wrong dosage form, wrong rate,
deteriorated drug, wrong administration technique, wrong time, and drug administered to wrong patient.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention
(NCCMERP)
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MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE – Altered function of one or more organs (vital body system) such that homeostasis cannot be
maintained without intervention.
Synonyms: multiple organ failure, multisystem organ failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Clarifying statements: Organ failure may occur in acutely ill patients from sepsis, injury, hypoperfusion (shock), and
hypermetabolism.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION – Blockage of blood flow in a coronary artery causing damage or death of a portion of the heart
muscle. Diagnostic criteria: (ONE from below)
1. Documented ECG changes indicative of acute MI with one or more of the following
a. -ST elevation > 1 mm in two or more contiguous leads
b. -new left bundle branch block
c. -new q-wave in two or more contiguous leads
2. New elevation in troponin greater than 3 times the upper level of the reference range in the setting of suspected
myocardial infarction.
3. Imaging evidence of new loss of viable myocardium or new regional wall motion abnormality
Synonym: heart attack, MI, acute myocardial infarction, acute MI
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA – A temporary condition in which there is inadequate circulation of blood and transport of oxygen
and glucose via the coronary arteries to the heart muscle but does not result in death of myocardium. It may be diagnosed
by clinical symptoms of angina, ECG changes (new ST depression or T wave inversion), or small increases in troponin.
Synonym: Angina
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.; Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, 7th
ed., (modified)
OR FIRE – Combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and/or
flame on or near patients who are under anesthesia care
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists: Practice advisory for the prevention and management of operating room
fires. Anesthesiology 2013;118(n2)
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PERIOPERATIVE VISUAL LOSS – Total or partial loss of sight in one or both eyes after non-ocular surgery not caused by
direct trauma or injury to the eye or the central nervous system
Synonym: visual loss, loss of vision, vision loss
Clarifying statement: This excludes visual changes caused by a perioperative stroke or other CNS event. Perioperative
visual loss may be produced by central retinal occlusion or anterior or posterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
PERIPHERAL NEUROLOGIC DEFICIT AFTER REGIONAL ANESTHESIA – In a patient that has received regional anesthesia or
analgesia, there is impaired sensory and/or motor and/or autonomic function that persists for more than 72 hours after the
last injection of local anesthetic or adjuvant drug without other identifiable etiologies.
Synonym: PNI
Note: Nerve damage may be confirmed by electrophysiologic testing such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
PNEUMONIA – Inflammation of the lung parenchyma characterized by consolidation of the affected part, the alveolar air
spaces being filled with exudate, inflammatory cells, and fibrin produced by infection (bacterial, virus, fungus) or chemical
irritation (aspiration)
Per the CDC, Pneumonia is defined by:
Radiology finding on chest radiograph or CT of new persistent infiltrate, consolidation, or cavitation AND at least one of the
following:
 Fever (>38 degree C or > 100.4 degree F)
 Leukopenia (<4,000 WBC/mm3) or Luekocytosis (>12,000 WBC/mm3)
 For adults > 70 years old, altered mental status with no other recognized cause
AND at least TWO of the following:
 New onset of purulent sputum, or change in character of sputum, or increased respiratory secretions, or increased
suctioning requirements
 New onset or worsening cough, or dyspnea, or tachypnea
 Rales or bronchial breath sounds
 Worsening gas exchange (e.g. O2 desaturations or PaO2/FiO2<240, increased oxygen requirements, or increased
ventilator demand)
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified); Centers for Disease Control
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PNEUMOTHORAX – The unintended presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, diagnosed by clinical findings or imaging (xray, CT, or ultrasound) that results from an attempted or completed placement of a central venous catheter, regional
anesthetic such as supraclavicular brachial plexus block, or other procedure for which a needle is used.
Synonym: Pneumothorax following attempted vascular access or regional anesthesia, tension pneumothorax
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
POSITIONING INJURY - Damage or harm to the patient resulting from the placement of their body and extremities while
under anesthesia
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
POST-DISCHARGE NAUSEA AND VOMITING – Nausea (involuntary symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit, often
occurring before vomiting; sickness at the stomach accompanying a loathing for food) and/or vomiting (the ejection of the
contents of the stomach through the esophagus and mouth) occurring after discharge from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
Synonym: PDNV
Note: Post-discharge nausea and vomiting is a subclass of post-operative nausea and vomiting
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
POSTDURAL PUNCTURE HEADACHE – The new onset of pain in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of
distribution of any nerve, usually occurring within 72 hours of an intended or unintended dural puncture. Signs and
symptoms include the headache worsening in the sitting or upright position, usually relieved when the patient is supine,
may be accompanied by visual or auditory changes, and may occur more frequently in younger patients when the dura has
been punctured. A clinical scenario in which a postdural puncture headache may present may be following placement of an
epidural or spinal anesthetic or sometimes following a nerve block in close proximity to the neuraxis (e.g., paravertabral or
intescalene block).
Synonym: spinal headache
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
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POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION – A loss or decrement from baseline mental function in domains such as
memory, judgement, reasoning, or perception and temporally associated with surgery.
Synonyms: cognitive dysfunction, POCD
Clarifying statement: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction can only be confirmed by a decrement in mental abilities from the
preoperative level when measured by standardized neuropsychological testing (baseline versus postoperative).
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary (modified)
POST-OPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING – Nausea (involuntary symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit, often
occurring before vomiting; sickness at the stomach accompanying a loathing for food), retching and/or vomiting (the
ejection of the contents of the stomach through the esophagus and mouth) occurring within 24 hours after the conclusion
of a surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedure for which anesthesia care was provided.
Synonyms: postoperative nausea, postoperative vomiting, emesis, PONV
Clarifying statement: PONV may be diagnosed by a clinician based on a patient's subjective comments or observed or
reported vomiting or retching OR from documentation that a rescue antiemetic medication was administered.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
PROLONGED NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCK – An unanticipated increased duration of patient weakness after administration of
a neuromuscular blocking agent (a medication that produces paralysis or weakness by preventing the activation of skeletal
muscles by the nervous system at the myoneural junction)
Synonyms: Prolonged block requiring sedation, Prolonged muscle blockade
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. © 2009, Elsevier (modified)
PULMONARY EDEMA – Accumulation of extravascular fluid in lung tissues and alveoli diagnosed by chest x-ray, ultrasound,
clinical examination, or blood gas analysis
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, 7th ed.
PULMONARY EMBOLUS – A blood clot that travels from or through the heart to the lungs
Synonyms: PE, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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REINTUBATION – The need to insert an endotracheal tube resulting from the inability to sustain adequate spontaneous
breathing occurring within 36 hours after the removal of an artificial airway
Synonyms: Extubation failure, unplanned reintubation, unintended reintubation
Clinical Scenarios: (1) protection of the airway or to facilitate respiratory support to treat hypoxia, hypercarbia, respiratory
insufficiency, altered mental status, or inadequate ventilation mechanics; and (2) at the conclusion of general anesthetic
during which an endotracheal tube or LMA was placed and the airway device was removed.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
RESPIRATORY ARREST – The cessation of spontaneous breathing for longer than 60 seconds
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. © 2009, Elsevier (modified)
RESPIRATORY FAILURE – Inadequate pulmonary function, either acute or chronic, that results in hypoxemia or hypercarbia
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, 7th ed. (modified)
SEIZURE – Abnormal electric activity of the neurons in the brain that may have several clinical manifestations such as a
sudden, violent involuntary series of contractions of a group of muscles (grand mal seizure); this outcome does not apply to
seizures that are medically induced as part of a therapy such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Synonym: Convulsion
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. © 2009, Elsevier (modified)
SEPSIS – Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) JAMA 2016
SHIVERING – Trembling occurring as a thermoregulatory response to cold or onset of fever
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
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SKIN OR MUCOUS MEMBRANE INJURY – Damage or harm to any portion of the membranous protective covering of the
body
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
SPINAL CORD INJURY – Damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes in the patient's motor,
sensory, or autonomic function
Clarifying statement: spinal cord injury may result from infection, ischemia, compression (as from a hematoma), or physical
injury; a spinal cord injury may be complete resulting in a total loss of motor and sensory function in the body below the
area of injury or incomplete resulting in only partial sensory or motor deficits
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS (SSI) –
Includes: (a) Superficial Incisional SSI; (b) Deep Incisional SSI; and (c) Organ/Space SSI
Superficial Incisional SSI - An infection (defined as the invasion of the body with organisms that have the potential to
cause disease) that occurs within 30 days after the principal operative procedure and the infection involves only skin or
subcutaneous tissue of the incision and at least one of the following: A. Purulent drainage, with or without laboratory
confirmation, from the superficial incision; B. Organisms isolated from an aseptically obtained culture of fluid or tissue
from the superficial incision; C. Superficial incision is deliberately opened by the surgeon and at least one of the
following signs or symptoms of infection: pain or tenderness, localized swelling, redness, or heat
Deep Incisional SSI - An infection (defined as the invasion of the body with organisms that have the potential to cause
disease) that occurs at the surgical site within 30 days after the principal operative procedure and involves deep soft
tissues and at least one of the following: A. Purulent drainage from the deep incision but not from the organ/space
component of the surgical site; B. A deep incision spontaneously dehisces or is deliberately opened by a surgeon when
the patient has at least one of the following signs or symptoms: fever (> 38⁰ C), localized pain, or tenderness, unless the
site is culture-negative; C. An abscess or other evidence of infection involving the deep incision is found on direct
examination, during reoperation, or by histopathologic or radiologic examination.
Organ/Space SSI - An infection (defined as the invasion of the body with organisms that have the potential to cause
disease) that occurs within 30 days after the principal operative procedure and involves any of the anatomy (e.g.,
organs or spaces), other than the incision, which was opened or manipulated during the operation and at least one of
the following: A. Purulent drainage from a drain that is placed through a stab wound into the organ/space.; B.
Organisms isolated from an aseptically obtained culture of fluid or tissue in the organ/space; C. An abscess or other
evidence of infection involving the organ/space that is found on direct examination, during reoperation, or by
histopathologic or radiologic examination.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Centers for Disease Control, Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, 1999; American College of Surgeons
NSQIP Operations Manual 1July2015; The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.07.05.01; Stedman's Medical
Dictionary 28th ed.
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TRANSFUSION – The introduction into the bloodstream of whole blood or blood components, such as plasma, platelets, or
packed red blood cells
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. © 2009, Elsevier (modified)
ALTERNATE DEFINITION: Transfer of blood or a blood component from one person (donor) to another (recipient).
Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th ed.
TRANSFUSION REACTION – An immune mediated adverse event consisting of immediate or delayed red blood cell
hemolysis, allergic reaction, febrile reaction, or acute lung injury produced by the transfusion of a blood product
Synonyms: Hemolytic transfusion reaction, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Clarifying statement: Signs and symptoms indicating a transfusion reaction may include new onset of: fever, chills, rash,
flank pain or back pain, bloody urine, fainting or dizziness, kidney failure, delayed anemia, lung dysfunction, or shock.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
ULCER – A lesion through the skin or mucous membrane resulting from loss of tissue, usually with inflammation
Synonyms: Ulcus, Erosion
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed.
UNPLANNED CONVERSION TO GENERAL ANESTHESIA – The need to induce general anesthesia as a result of the failure or
inadequacy of the originally initiated anesthetic technique such as regional, neuraxial or local anesthesia. General
anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation.
General anesthesia often impairs the patient's cardiovascular function and/or the ability to independently maintain
spontaneous ventilation. Under general anesthesia, patient may require assistance in maintaining a patient airway and
positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug induced depression of
neuromuscular function.
Clinical scenario: Failed epidural, spinal, regional, or topical or infiltration anesthesia that results in inadequate anesthesia
in the anatomic area of the planned surgery or procedure necessitating the need for general anesthesia to begin or
complete the planned surgery or procedure.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists, Committee on Quality Management and Departmental Administration.
Continuum of Depth of Sedation: Definition of General Anesthesia and Levels of Sedation/Analgesia. Oct 15, 2014
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UNPLANNED HOSPITAL ADMISSION – Transfer of a patient, scheduled for an outpatient procedure, to an in-patient status
(patient is assigned a bed in a health care facility to undergo diagnosis and/or receive treatment and care) from an
anesthetizing site, PACU, or other clinical location that was not anticipated or arranged at the time that anesthetic care was
initiated
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. (modified)
UNPLANNED ICU ADMISSION – Transfer of a patient to an ICU from an anesthetizing site, PACU, or other clinical location
that was not anticipated or arranged at the time that anesthetic care was initiated.
Clarifying statement: Reasons for unplanned admission to the ICU may include unanticipated clinical conditions requiring
continuous monitoring such as the need for continued ventilation or respiratory support, the need for ongoing vasopressor
support, unstable airway, the potential for apnea, and prolonged action of anesthetic agents or neuromuscular blockade.
Note: "Unplanned postoperative ventilation" should also be selected if it is the indication for "Unplanned ICU admission".
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified)
UNPLANNED POSTOPERATIVE VENTILATION – The need to provide mechanical pulmonary support that was not
anticipated or expected at the time that anesthetic care was initiated
Note: "Unplanned ICU admission" should also be selected for patients that have "Unplanned postoperative ventilation".
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
UNPLANNED REOPERATION – The need for or to undertake a surgical procedure that was not planned at the time of the
principal operative procedure
Synonym: Unplanned return to the OR
EXCLUSIONS: This does not include a return to the OR if an unintended principal procedure is aborted due to patient
physiology and is rescheduled for the completion of the initial procedure at a later date; unanticipated findings are
discovered, such as a progressed disease state, during the principal procedure requiring additional or subsequent
operations; a return to the OR for a follow-up procedure based on the pathology results from the principal operative
procedure or concurrent procedure such as breast biopsies which return for re-excisions or insertion of port-a-caths for
chemotherapy.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American College of Surgeons NSQIP Operations Manual 1July2015
VASCULAR INJURY – Damage or harm to an artery or vein resulting from placement of a vascular access device such as an
intravenous catheter, central venous catheter, or intra-arterial catheter
Clarifying statement: Scenarios include carotid or subclavian arterial puncture or dilatation during placement of a central
venous catheter
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
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VENOUS AIR EMBOLISM – Atmospheric gas, introduced into the vascular system, that travels to an organ such as the heart,
brain, lungs, or kidney
Synonyms: VAE, air embolus
Clarifying statement: Venous air embolism may occur in many circumstances such as neurosurgical or orthopedic surgery,
central venous catheter insertion or removal, or with intravenous administration of medication or fluids.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
VENTILATION FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS POST PROCEDURE – A patient who has a total of ventilator-assisted respirations
greater than 24 hours after the conclusion of a procedure requiring anesthesia care
Synonym: Prolonged postop ventilation
Clarifying statement: this does not include patients on CPAP or BiPAP. It does include patients that remain intubated
immediately after their anesthetic procedure and those who require reintubation within 6 hours after conclusion of an
anesthetic.
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
WRONG PATIENT – Administering anesthesia to or performing a procedure (diagnostic or therapeutic) on a patient for
whom it was not intended
Synonym: Incorrect patient
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); The Joint Commission (modified)
WRONG PROCEDURE – Performing an incorrect or unintended intervention, treatment, or operation
Synonyms: Incorrect procedure, wrong surgery
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: The Joint Commission (modified)
WRONG SIDE REGIONAL ANESTHESIA – Inadvertent injection of medication, usually including a local anesthetic agent, near
a cluster of nerves that results in numbing an area of the side of the body opposite from that which was needed for the
planned surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedure.
Synonym: wrong side block
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (modified)
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WRONG SITE SURGERY – An operation on the incorrect or unintended anatomic part, organ, body side, or location or
surgery performed on a body part not consistent with the documented informed consent for that patient, excluding
emergent situations whose urgency precludes obtaining informed consent from either the patient or an authorized
representative
Synonyms: operation on wrong site, operation on incorrect site
AQI XML Schema Element: <OutcomeName>
Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Performance and Outcomes Measurement (CPOM) August
2009 Annual Report. Aug 23, 2009 (modified); The Joint Commission (modified)
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